Bayliner/Force ?? Done to death??

[walkingfish]

Welcome,<br />This topic has probably been thrashed around quite a bit already, but here goes,<br />I live in New Zealand, and am just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Foveaux Straight, (a mighty fierce bit of water at times)<br />I have just bought what i thought was a quality piece of boat (Baliner Capri - Cuddy 19.5 Foot), Looked good, felt solid, for about US$ 7,000, NZ$ 15,500<br />I already knew the motor (89 Force 125 Hp) was built without the "extras" like oil injection and computer control, but i thought this would be a good thing, (less to go wrong!), and i was told that they are "good, solid, plain, motors"<br /><br />After finding this board, big thanks to those of you who have helped already

, i am now worried i might have been mis-lead, what with comments like "Bayliner Budget" and "Force F**king Old Recycled Chrysler Engine".<br /><br />I still like my boat, but what is the worst i could expect from this combo, its 12 years old now (mainly freshwater) and i want at least another 5 years (mainly saltwater) out of her yet?<br /><br />Is this realistic ?<br />How bad can Saltwater be? i wash the motor out with muffs, and wash the boat and trailer after every use.<br />How long should you spend running the motor with the muffs on? i spend about 3 minutes<br /><br />I know you guys know whats going on, on the water and i'm hoping you can share these times with me!<br /><br />Brad

 

[JB]

Re: Bayliner/Force ?? Done to death??

Ahoy, Brad. Bayliner/Force packages were built to price. Features were omitted and shortcuts were taken. A lot of them became training grounds for new boaters and people who didn't have the funds, skills (or, sometimes, the motivation) to give them proper care.<br /><br />Others got plenty of TLC from people like you, resold at excellent prices and will last a long time.<br /><br />Which did you get? It's too late to matter, isn't it? You are doing the right things. Be sure you have the instrumentation to monitor your engine's health and continue to take care of her. Your chances are good.<br /><br />Some OMCs, Mercs, Yammys, etc. blow up. Some Forces will still be going strong twenty years from now. Let's hope yours is one of those.<br /><br />Fair skies and flat waters.<br />JB

 

[12Footer]

Re: Bayliner/Force ?? Done to death??

Brad, I couldn't agree more with what JB said. The fact that your boat/motor combo is as old as it is, is testimony to the way it was treated, the way the assembly men were treated by their wives the night before yours was built and the care the previous owner gave it.<br />I have had 4 Force-powered boats. I currently own 2. I have had problems with both,but far less than the last OMC I had....<br />COMBINED!<br />I also have a Bayliner Capri (17ft/50HP). The<br />price was right,so I bought it with little thought to "resale value", as I have no intentions to sell it. I happen to like the little bugger, and have spent many qaulity hours on the water.<br />It still runs fantasticly,looks pretty good ('cept for the seats,which are shot),and it<br />handles 4foot swells ,albeit,a WET ride.<br />The bigger engine (120HP) was purchased because I got it for $900...Couldn't say no.<br />It had fuel problems and L/unit problems which I repaired just for the fun of it.<br />I'm in the process of mounting it to a hull that should be able to take even bigger water. I'm in no hurry,as everything with<br />"Marine" as the first word of it's name is outragiously overpriced.<br />But it sounds like you got a fair deal,and enjoy it.

 

[herb]

Re: Bayliner/Force ?? Done to death??

Walkingfish,I think Force engines are good engines.I have a 1987 Bayliner Trophy with a 1987 Force 125 on it.This is the first season I have had this boat but I am happy with it so far.The Force engine is easy to work on.One problem with these engines is everyone saya they are Junk so no one wants to maintain them.<br /><br /> Joe

 

[herb]

Re: Bayliner/Force ?? Done to death??

Walkingfish,I forgot this in the reply.<br />The boat is a 19 foot center console and for being 14 years old is in good condition. I did have to recore the transom,but there are plenty of non Bayliner boats that this has been done to.<br /><br /><br /> Joe

 

[DanMcK]

Re: Bayliner/Force ?? Done to death??

Walkingfish, Just wanted to let you know that You have a decent motor if repaired and maintained properly. I know because I owned one for 12 yrs. It was still running good when I traded it in on a new 2001 Suzuki DF115. Why did I trade it in, if it was running so good. Well repairs get to be an issue, and like anything else time takes it toll. Good luck